By Palang Paul
A Plateau-based cleric and regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Evangelist Ezekiel Dachomo, says his life is in grave danger following the release of a viral video showing the mass burial of Christians killed during a recent attack in Heipang community, near Jos.
In an interview with Journalist, Dachomo said he filmed the video to preserve evidence of what he described as ongoing persecution and genocide against Christians in parts of Northern Nigeria.
“I made the video for record-keeping so that future generations will know how we were terrorised and persecuted,” he explained. “It serves as evidence that a Christian genocide is going on in the North and will strengthen believers to stand firm despite persecution.”
We Are Forced into Self-Defence
Dachomo said the video was recorded at a mass burial site in Heipang after suspected Fulani herdsmen invaded the community and killed 11 people, including children.
“The attackers came last Thursday. Children were butchered without conscience, yet the government keeps denying there is Christian genocide,” he said.
“That same day, the wife of one of our reverends was kidnapped and is still in captivity. The abductors demanded ransom, and even when you pay, they may still kill the victim.”
He added that five victims were hospitalised while two other women were later abducted from a hospital in the area. According to him, many Christians have since fled to the South-South to escape the repeated attacks.
“We have resorted to self-defence; otherwise, the name of Jesus will no longer be mentioned in our land,” he said.
‘Government Protects the Perpetrators’
The cleric accused the government of turning a blind eye to the killings and failing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“If the government acknowledged what is happening, these killings would have stopped,” Dachomo lamented. “A Christian farmer who defended himself and killed a Fulani attacker was sentenced to death. Does this not show bias? It seems the government has handed the country over to Islam.”
He alleged that security forces often arrest Christians for self-defence but release suspected killers, who then return to attack communities.
“If Christians were the ones attacking Muslims, the entire military would invade our villages,” he added.
The Military Is No Longer Helping
Dachomo claimed that the military, which once offered protection, has become unresponsive.
“Our people now live in fear. They rape our women and children before our eyes, and if you complain, you are killed,” he said. “We are tired of burying our people. There are no youths left to dig graves.”
He listed communities such as Riyom, Daruwa, Maiyanga, Barkin Ladi, Tenti, and Bokkos as areas repeatedly targeted in recent years.
I Receive Death Threats Daily
Dachomo said he has been repeatedly threatened since the video went viral.
“My life is in danger. I have survived several attacks. My grandmother was killed, her heart removed. My uncle was killed too,” he recounted.
“They threaten me everywhere, even on social media. The Nigerian Army once issued a statement against me, accusing me of incitement, yet it is their inaction that fuels these attacks.”
He added that he receives death threats daily via phone calls and messages but remains undeterred.
“I would rather die than keep burying my people. I prefer to be in police custody than watch our extermination,” he said.
The Killings Started in 2001
The cleric traced the crisis back to 2001, alleging that mercenaries from neighbouring countries such as Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Libya were recruited to carry out attacks.
“If Muslims say they are also being killed, who is killing them? Their fellow Muslims,” he claimed.
Call for Global and Presidential Intervention
While acknowledging small donations from sympathisers for victims’ medical care, Dachomo urged the international community to intervene and President Bola Tinubu to act decisively.
“Nigeria belongs to both Christians and Muslims,” he said. “President Tinubu must ensure that the insurgents are arrested and prosecuted so that peace can return.”
He added that despite the dangers, the Church remains steadfast.
“Every night, we pray as if it’s our last. We will not deny Christ no matter the persecution. Our faith remains in Jesus Christ,” he affirmed.
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